Japanese Sales of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Surpass 8 Million

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Achieves Major Sales Milestone in Japan

Nintendo’s beloved title, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, has officially surpassed 8 million sales in Japan, further cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon. Remarkably, it’s still managing to maintain a strong position, currently ranking eighth in the nation’s weekly sales chart. As the game approaches its five-year anniversary in March 2025, its enduring popularity is a testament to its engaging gameplay and community appeal. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

Nintendo’s Dominance in the Japanese Market

In the latest weekly sales roundup, Nintendo showcases its commanding presence in the Japanese gaming market, with all entries in the top best-seller list featuring Nintendo Switch titles. Below is the current ranking:

Super Mario Party Jamboree
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Minecraft
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Pokemon Scarlet, Violet
Nintendo Switch Sports

Hardware Sales Reflect Success

Nintendo’s hardware sales mirror the success of its software. Between December 16 and December 22, 2024, the sales figures were impressive: the original Switch sold 14,065 units, the Switch Lite saw 34,542 units sold, and the Switch OLED achieved 55,544 units in sales. In contrast, Sony’s PS5 managed to sell 15,213 units, along with 4,079 for the Digital Edition and 5,358 for the Pro model.

Factors Driving this Phenomenon

The impressive performance of both Nintendo’s hardware and software can largely be attributed to the Christmas shopping season. The family-friendly nature of Nintendo games makes them popular choices for gift-giving. Titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons became particularly appealing during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a much-needed escape for many individuals constrained by lockdown measures. The game not only offered entertainment but also fostered connections among friends and family during a time of isolation.